Australian beef production is expected to exceed 3 million tonnes in 2026, a new national record. High beef production is supported by improved seasonal conditions and productivity gains.
Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) forecasts that cattle slaughter will reach 9.6 million head in 2026, increasing from 9.3 million in 2025. Stuart Bull, the Market Information Manager at MLA, reports that the national cattle herd proved more resilient despite the historically high slaughter levels. In previous years, the high slaughter levels would have led to a sharper contraction of the national herd.
Producers are able to maintain high cattle turn-off due to improved reproductive performance, faster movement through production systems, and improved seasonal conditions. Cattle producers continued to post stronger breeding and a healthy calf base.
Feedlot throughput is recorded at historical levels, with annual feedlot turn-off exceeding 4 million head in 2025-26. Average carcass weight is expected to reach 313kg in 2026, with weights expected to increase as slaughter shifts to heavier steers and bullocks.
Australian exporters are, however, faced with challenges of a stronger Australian dollar and changing tariffs in the Chinese and South Korean markets. The US remains an important market, with demand driven by its cattle herd being at the lowest level, hampering domestic beef production.